Best Defensive Midfielders in the Brasileirão (Oct 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 69 Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 21 clubs with a combined market value of €213.2M. The average market value for Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders is €3.1M, with the average age at 28.3 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Brasileirão is Danilo, worth €28.0M and playing for Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas at 24 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €14.0M in market value, including Martinelli and Aníbal Moreno.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Luis Otávio (18 years, Sport Club Internacional, €2.5M), while the oldest is Fernando is a 38-year old football player aus Brazil (38 years, Without Club, €800K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 30 Defensive Midfielders (43%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Brasileirão market for Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in Brasileirão
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 21 clubs with €213.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders
The Brasileirão CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (29 players, 42% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €87.5M, averaging €6.3M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (10 players)
24-26 Years (14 players)
27-29 Years (14 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €83.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 1% of the Brasileirão CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders
Among 21 Brasileirão clubs, Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas leads with 4 Defensive Midfielders worth €37.0M (averaging €9.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 57% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Fluminense Football Club (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras (2 Defensive Midfielders)
CR Flamengo (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Danilo
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas • 24 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.5M
77.4
Martinelli
Fluminense Football Club • 24 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.3M
68.6
Aníbal Moreno
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras • 26 years old
€9.5M
€11.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.7M
65.6
Emiliano Martínez
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras • 26 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.5M
59.4
Pablo Maia
São Paulo Futebol Clube • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.7M
57.0
Caio Alexandre
Esporte Clube Bahia • 26 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.3
Mathías Villasanti
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense • 28 years old
€6.0M
€6.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €5.7M
53.6
Marlon Freitas
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas • 30 years old
€6.0M
€6.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €5.7M
52.3
Fausto Vera
Clube Atlético Mineiro • 25 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.6M
52.0
Fabinho
Red Bull Bragantino • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.1M
51.1
Arthur Melo
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense • 29 years old
€5.0M
€5.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €4.8M
50.7
Erick
Esporte Clube Bahia • 27 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
50.7
Jorginho
CR Flamengo • 33 years old
€6.0M
€6.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €5.7M
50.3
Evertton Araújo
CR Flamengo • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.3M
50.2
Facundo Bernal
Fluminense Football Club • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.3M
50.2
Erick Pulgar
CR Flamengo • 31 years old
€5.0M
€5.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €4.8M
49.3
Nicolás Acevedo
Esporte Clube Bahia • 26 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.2
Walace
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube • 30 years old
€4.5M
€4.5M
+0.0%
Expected: €4.3M
48.7
Thiago Maia
Sport Club Internacional • 28 years old
€4.0M
€4.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €3.8M
48.5
Allan
CR Flamengo • 28 years old
€4.0M
€4.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €3.8M
48.5
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas's Danilo at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.60×. That means Danilo is valued 5.60× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is São Paulo Futebol Clube's Pablo Maia, who is 23 years old, with a 4.00× PPVE. Third is Martinelli of Fluminense Football Club, who is 24 years old with a 2.80× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 5.60× means the player is worth 460% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 24 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €5.0M | 5.60× |
| #2 | Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €2.0M | 4.00× |
| #3 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | 24 | 24-26 | €14.0M | €5.0M | 2.80× |
| #4 | Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #5 | Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #6 | Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Ryan Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional | 18 | U21 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Fausto Vera Clube Atlético Mineiro | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Juan Sforza Esporte Clube Juventude | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Erick Noriega Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #13 | Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 23 | 21-23 | €1.4M | €2.0M | 0.70× |
| #14 | Zanocelo Ceará Sporting Club | 24 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €5.0M | 0.50× |
| #15 | Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €2.0M | 0.25× |
| #16 | Newton Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 25 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €5.0M | 0.20× |
| #17 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 19 | U21 | €250K | €2.5M | 0.10× |
| #18 | Lucas Lima Ceará Sporting Club | 25 | 24-26 | €350K | €5.0M | 0.07× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
No RPP data available (requires forecast values in database)
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Sport Club Internacional's Luis Otávio has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 114.8. That means Luis Otávio has 46% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Cruzeiro Esporte Clube's Murilo Rhikman with a 105.9 RAU (41% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ryan of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista with a 86.4 RAU (26% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 114.8 means the upside is 114.8× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional | €3.7M | €3.2M-4.2M | +46% | 114.8 |
| #2 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €353K | €305K-402K | +41% | 105.9 |
| #3 | Ryan Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | €2.5M | €2.2M-2.8M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #4 | Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | €6.3M | €5.6M-7.1M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #5 | Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €6.3M | €5.6M-7.1M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #6 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | €2.0M | €1.7M-2.2M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #7 | Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | €656K | €566K-747K | +31% | 86.2 |
| #8 | Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | €6.1M | €5.3M-6.8M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #9 | Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #10 | Juan Sforza Esporte Clube Juventude | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #11 | Erick Noriega Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #12 | Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | €9.7M | €8.5M-10.9M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #13 | Zanocelo Ceará Sporting Club | €2.9M | €2.6M-3.3M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #14 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €32.5M | €28.6M-36.4M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #15 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | €16.3M | €14.3M-18.2M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #16 | Lucas Lima Ceará Sporting Club | €389K | €342K-435K | +11% | 41.4 |
| #17 | Newton Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €1.1M | €977K-1.2M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #18 | Fausto Vera Clube Atlético Mineiro | €5.6M | €4.9M-6.2M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #19 | Nicolás Acevedo Esporte Clube Bahia | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.5 |
| #20 | Emiliano Martínez Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €9.5M | €8.4M-10.7M | +6% | 23.5 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: defensive midfielder position shows strong depth (avg Z-score: 0.00). RPI: 0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Esporte Clube Vitória's Rúben Ismael in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +20.8%. That means Danilo captures 41.1% of total market value while representing only 20.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Clube Atlético Mineiro's Fausto Vera with a +20.8% ASC (41.1% value share vs 20.3% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Luan Santos of São Paulo Futebol Clube with a +20.8% ASC (41.1% value vs 20.3% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +20.8% ASC means the player captures 20.8% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rúben Ismael Esporte Clube Vitória | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #2 | Fausto Vera Clube Atlético Mineiro | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #3 | Luan Santos São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #4 | Nicolás Acevedo Esporte Clube Bahia | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #5 | Aníbal Moreno Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #6 | Zanocelo Ceará Sporting Club | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #7 | Camilo Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #8 | Lucas Lima Ceará Sporting Club | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #9 | Emiliano Martínez Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #10 | Roni Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #11 | Caio Alexandre Esporte Clube Bahia | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #12 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #13 | Newton Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #14 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | 24-26 | 41.1% | 20.3% | +20.8% |
| #15 | Jorginho CR Flamengo | 30+ | 24.6% | 42.0% | -17.5% |
| #16 | Luiz Gustavo São Paulo Futebol Clube | 30+ | 24.6% | 42.0% | -17.5% |
| #17 | Gustavo Cuéllar Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 30+ | 24.6% | 42.0% | -17.5% |
| #18 | Lucas Sasha Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 30+ | 24.6% | 42.0% | -17.5% |
| #19 | Allan Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 30+ | 24.6% | 42.0% | -17.5% |
| #20 | Thiago Mendes Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 30+ | 24.6% | 42.0% | -17.5% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 15 immediate targets, 3 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 18 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €650K. 1 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | €500K | €2.0M | -2.50 | Undervalued |
Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €250K | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Erick Pulgar CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Arthur Melo Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Fausto Vera Clube Atlético Mineiro | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €1.4M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lucas Lima Ceará Sporting Club | €350K | €2.0M | -0.88 | Good Value |
Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.5M | €2.0M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Caio Alexandre Esporte Clube Bahia | €7.0M | €2.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Dodi Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €700K | €2.0M | -0.46 | Fair Value |
Ronald Esporte Clube Vitória | €700K | €2.0M | -0.46 | Fair Value |
Newton Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €1.0M | €2.0M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Ronaldo Sport Club Internacional | €1.0M | €2.0M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Richardson Ceará Sporting Club | €200K | €2.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Souza Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €200K | €2.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Tomás Rincón Santos FC | €200K | €2.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Neto Moura Mirassol Futebol Clube (SP) | €1.2M | €2.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Luiz Gustavo São Paulo Futebol Clube | €250K | €2.0M | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Lucas Sasha Fortaleza Esporte Clube | €250K | €2.0M | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Camilo Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €1.2M | €2.0M | -0.23 | Fair Value |